Kia releases EV model of compact car Ray

Kia Corp., South Korea’s No. 2 automaker, on Thursday announced the launch of its newest electric vehicle (EV), The Kia Ray EV, an electrified version of its popular compact car, the Ray. 

Equipped with a 35.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, the Ray EV offers a substantial single-charge driving range of 205 km in combined conditions and 233 km in urban settings. Engineered with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, the vehicle also features a battery under-cover at the front to enhance its performance. Its energy efficiency stands at 5.1 km per kWh, based on 14-inch tires. 

In the realm of convenience, the Ray EV doesn't disappoint. A 150 kW rapid charger can boost the battery from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes. For those using a standard 7 kW charger, a full charge from 10% to 100% can be achieved in 6 hours.

The electric motor boasts a maximum output of 64.3 kW, roughly equivalent to 87 ps, and a peak torque of 147 Nm. This outperforms the vehicle's gasoline counterpart, which has a maximum output of 76 ps (approximately 55.9 kW) and a torque peak of 9.7 kgf·m (95.1 Nm).

To elevate the driving experience, the Ray EV comes packed with features designed for urban lifestyles. These include Auto Hold for ease of driving in stop-and-go traffic conditions, a Full Flat mode that allows all seats to fold down for increased cargo space, and a Utility Mode that enables the long-term use of electrical amenities like air conditioning and audio even when the car is stationary.

For Seoul residents, the Ray EV becomes an even more attractive option when electric vehicle subsidies are considered, bringing the price down to a range of early to mid-20 million won ( $14,962).

The model has already stirred significant interest. From August 24 to September 20, Kia received more than 6,000 pre-orders for the Ray EV, smashing its annual sales target of 4,000 units by over 50%.

Write to Sungsu Bae at baebae@hankyung.com